A Miami Beach Golf Course server found $36,000 on a bench in Jan. and returned the money to local authorities (not pictured).
Reuters

After a Miami Beach golf course worker found a bag with more than $30,000 inside, she did something with the cash no one expect —she returned it.

Rachel Castillo, a server at a Miami Beach golf course, uncovered $36,000 on a Miami Beach bench while working in January, but said it was her devout faith that led her to return to the large sum, Fox 2 Now reported.

“I believe in the Bible. I’m a Christian and the Bible says, ‘Do not steal, do not lie,’” said Castillo. “If you do what’s right, if you live the right way, you’ll be taken care of.”

Castillo contacted authorities, who traced the owner to an incorrect address found on an ID tag left behind in the money bag. Police eventually identified the owner, 76-year-old Noberto Nodarse, who verified the money belonged to him.

The man reportedly suffers from Alzheimer’s dementia and resides in an assisting living facility.

“We really don’t know how the money ended up there. He left it there at some point,” said Miami Beach Police Sgt. Bobby Hernandez, who said he was shocked by Castillo’s honesty.

“One thing is to say to do the right thing and it’s another to do it,” he said.

Authorities placed the cash in a special account pending its collection and told Castillo if no one claimed the missing money in 90 days, the cash was hers. Castillo said she did not receive a reward for her good deed, but that she believes her reward will come from a “higher power.” NBC Miami reported that a certificate of appreciation is expected to be awarded.